To the Editor:

I am a Tryon resident who lives across from Harmon Field and the Tryon Arts and Crafts complex.

An outdoor day camp that operates there, known as Serendipity Kids Ranch, is in full swing and gives me morning entertainment as I sit on my porch with coffee.

This program is run by caring ladies that have a love for children and the arts, and provides a full schedule of kid-friendly activities.

I watch each day as parents drop off their precious cargo of toddlers, pre-school and elementary school kids who are obviously eager to begin another day with their friends.

This routine starts before 7:30 a.m. and then reverses around 5 or 6 p.m. as kids jump back into their family vehicles … with arms stuffed with the day’s art, craft projects or wet towels. But I sense more than playing and swimming happen across the street.

I’ve known Lorna Dever for several years and have never met a lady with a bigger heart. She runs this camp as well as an After School Camp and a very crucial “Skoolzout camp” (for days that school is off), which gives working parents a safe, local place for kids to spend their day.

I know Lorna has plans to help the kids not only be better citizens, but also experience social skills and spiritual growth too.

Of course, the pizzas, music, waterplay and “Mystery Days” don’t hurt either, and the chance to get up close with animals, fire trucks, local police and their vehicles seems to be a hit too.

As the summer nears its end, I must say I will miss the little rascals piling in and out of the buildings, but know that a few weeks down the road we’ll be watching kids getting on and off those big yellow school busses and after school, more kids will file in for the after school camp.

It seems there is a fun, safe and inexpensive place for our local youth to go almost year-round and it’s right across the street.

–– Nancy Eriksen, Tryon